Obama’s Intro to Cartoon Network’s Bullying Film Detailed

President Barack Obama holds a baby after Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defeat the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils 59-58 at UD Arena in the first round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament on March 13, 2012 in Dayton, Ohio

*President Barack Obama appears in an upcoming Cartoon Network documentary aimed at encouraging bullied children and others to speak up, and says that as the father of two young girls he is deeply concerned about the issue, reports Retuers.

In an introduction to the 30-minute film, the president appeals to students, parents and teachers to take a stand on bullying.

“It’s wrong, it’s disruptive and we can all prevent it,” said Obama, who hosted the first White House conference on bullying last year.

He said that he was speaking not only as the president but as a father. “We’ve all got more work to do. Everyone has to take action against bullying.”

The documentary, set to air nationally on Sunday, mixes stories from children who have been bullied with tips from those who have gotten past it. It includes interviews with celebrities, athletes and survivors who urge bullying victims, children who witness bullying, parents and teachers to speak out.

Stuart Snyder, Cartoon Network president and chief operating officer, said the film is aimed at elementary and middle school students ages 8 to 13.

“Speaking up is the best way to bring an end to bullying,” he told a crowd of about 400 students at a special screening of the movie at a middle school in Washington on Wednesday.

Aaron Cheese, a 15-year-old who is featured in the movie and spoke at the event, said he and those who had tormented him eventually matured but that he wished he had acted sooner. “Just talking to someone will help,” he urged the other students.

The Cartoon Network film features tennis star Venus Williams, former NBA star Chris Webber, several NASCAR race car drivers, and the hosts of the network’s popular “Dude, What Would Happen” show.

It also features 14-year-old Alye Pollack, who fought back against bullying by filming a three-minute silent video and posting it on YouTube. Called “Words DO Hurt,” she made it after she was bullied by a boy for two years. He saw it and apologized. Later, he even came to her defense when another child teased her.

“That was amazing. Now I’m kind of friends with him,” she said of the apology.

The documentary airs Sunday at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time and again at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on the Cartoon Network.

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